der  Hengst

B2

Estimated CEFR level.

/hɛŋst/

🐎 What Exactly is a Hengst?

The German word der Hengst primarily refers to a male, uncastrated horse that is sexually mature, commonly known as a stallion in English. It is mainly used for breeding purposes.

Less commonly and more colloquially or archaically, the word can also be used figuratively for a virile, potent man (a stud), but this can be perceived as coarse or macho (⚠️ be careful with this usage).

Article rules for der, die, and das

Grammar Gallop: Declension of 'Hengst'

The noun „Hengst“ is masculine (maskulin) and follows the strong declension pattern (starke Deklination).

Declension Singular

Declension Plural

Example Sentences 📜

• Der stolze Hengst galoppierte über die Weide. (The proud stallion galloped across the pasture.)
• Der Züchter präsentierte seinen preisgekrönten Hengst. (The breeder presented his prize-winning stallion.)
• Die Kraft des Hengstes war beeindruckend. (The power of the stallion was impressive.)
• Im Stall stehen mehrere junge Hengste. (There are several young stallions in the stable.)

How and When to Use 'Hengst'

The term Hengst is mainly used in contexts related to animal husbandry, horse breeding, and equestrian sports.

• Animal Description: For the clear designation of a male, reproductively capable horse. Example: „Dieser Araber ist ein reinrassiger Hengst.“ (This Arabian is a purebred stallion.)
• Breeding: In connection with horse breeding. Example: „Der Hengst deckt mehrere Stuten pro Saison.“ (The stallion covers several mares per season.)
• Behavior: Sometimes reference is made to the typical, often spirited behavior of stallions. Example: „Sei vorsichtig, er benimmt sich wie ein junger Hengst.“ (Be careful, he behaves like a young stallion.)
• Figurative Meaning (rare/caution ⚠️): As mentioned, it can rarely refer to a man, but this often carries negative connotations.

Compared to Pferd (horse - neutral) or Wallach (gelding - castrated male horse), Hengst is more specific.

Memory Aids for 'der Hengst' 🤔

Article Mnemonic: A Hengst is a strong, male animal – like many male beings in German, it takes the article der. Think of: Der strong Hero, der man, der Hengst.

Meaning Mnemonic: A Hengst doesn't just 'hang' around (rumhängen); he's full of energy (Energie). Imagine a powerful male horse. Or, think of 'hang' in the sense of 'covering' a mare, though that's a bit direct.

Word Relations: Similar & Opposite

Potential Confusion

Sometimes Hengst is mistakenly used generally for 'horse' (Pferd), especially by non-experts. However, it specifically denotes the male, uncastrated animal.

Neigh-sayers Welcome! 😂

Fragt ein Pferd das andere: „Warum ziehst du so ein langes Gesicht?“
Sagt das andere: „Keine Ahnung, vielleicht weil ich kein Hengst mehr bin, sondern nur noch ein halber?“

Translation: One horse asks another: "Why the long face?"
The other replies: "I don't know, maybe because I'm not a stallion anymore, just half of one?"

(Hint: Refers to geldings)

A Little Rhyme for the Hengst 🐴

Der Hengst auf weiter Flur,
\ein Symbol von Kraft, Natur.
\Mit Mähne, die im Winde weht,
\ein Anblick, der zu Herzen geht.
\Sein Wiehern klingt so stolz und frei,
\er ist der König der Prärie.

Translation:
The stallion on the open field,
a symbol of strength, nature revealed.
With mane that blows in the breeze,
a sight that truly aims to please.
His neigh sounds proud and free,
he is the king of the prairie.

Who am I? A Riddle

Ich trage stolz mein männlich' Kleid,
in unkastriert zu jeder Zeit.
\Auf Weiden oder in der Zucht,
\man schätzt sehr meine Kraft und Wucht.
\Das Gegenstück zur Stute fein,
\wer kann ich edles Ross nur sein?

Translation:
I proudly wear my manly guise,
Uncastrated, beneath the skies.
In pastures green or used for breed,
My strength and power are agreed.
The counterpart to the fine mare,
What noble steed stands proudly there?

Solution: der Hengst (the stallion)

Interesting Facts about the Hengst 💡

Etymology: The word „Hengst“ comes from the Old High German „hengist“, which originally could mean 'horse' or 'gelding' in general. Today's specific meaning became established later.

Cultural Significance: Stallions (Hengste) often symbolize power, freedom, masculinity, and sometimes untamed wildness. They appear in many coats of arms (Wappen) and legends (Sagen).